MC Home: Dressing Room

{clothing rack of my current summer rotation}

We have lived in our townhouse for almost 2 years but I've never shared photos of the upstairs! (see downstairs: living room and kitchen) One of the things that sold us on this place was that it had 2 bedrooms; which is not only ideal for when we have family visiting but we needed the extra closet space. Greg is the best guy in the world - he graciously gave me the second bedroom to turn into a huge dressing room! I work in fashion and buying apparel is literally my job so naturally I have tons of clothes and accessories! I love having a space to display my favorite pieces and keep everything really organized. It also feels very reminiscent of my studio apartment that I lived in when I first moved to Los Angeles, it was small but full of charm. You can see photos of  how I decorated the studio from start to finish: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  My dressing room doubles as Zoey's favorite spot in the house thanks to the natural light, she loves to sunbathe all day while we're at work - the life of a cat!

{the only problem with black chairs: grey cat}

 

{bookshelves aren't just for books}

 

 {framed photos and family mantra + jewelry box}

 

{vintage dresser with mixed Anthropologie knobs}

 

{from left to right: MK watches & souvenir from Castle Rock, statement necklace, emerald earrings, turquoise bracelet, Ray-Ban wayfarers & vintage saucer with rings}

 

{brights, prints & pop of color shoes}

 

 {layered necklaces make pretty décor}

Roasted Veggies

{roasted veggies}

In an effort to eat more veggies & greens, Greg and I made a bunch of roasted veggies Sunday night so we'd have enough to eat throughout the week. We filled two large baking sheets with broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, shiitake mushrooms & onion. Simply drizzle with olive oil and season (we used garlic powder, basil, sea salt & black pepper). Bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes or until light golden brown.

Must Have: Off-the-Shoulder

I'm obsessed with anything and everything off-the-shoulder for the summer season, and I can't help but scoop up every piece I find! This neckline is so flattering on everyone and gives off that effortless bohemian vibe! I'm loving printed dresses and easy flowy tops with off-the-shoulder necklines and feminine details like lace, ruffles & pom-pom trim. See some of my favorites below.

{Asos}

{Free People}

{Lulu's}

{Zara - I wore this top here}

Currently Obsessed

{#GIRLBOSS}

I just finished reading #GIRLBOSS which is one part career advice and one part Sophia Amoruso's story of building the Nasty Gal empire. She is a trailblazer when it comes to e-commerce fashion and her series of failures and triumphs is so inspiring - it reminds me to never give up on my dream.

I've always dreamed big: I knew since I was 13 years old that I wanted to own a fashion boutique. All of my life decisions since then have been moving me one step closer to achieving that dream. I attended Florida State University to earn a Bachelor's degree in Retail Merchandising and Product Development, with a minor in Business. After graduating college, I moved to California to work in the Buying Department of BCBG Max Azria corporate headquarters.

I have always stayed focused on my dream no matter what challenges arise, or sacrifices I have had to make. Living on the opposite coast of the country as my entire family is difficult to say the least, but I have been gaining knowledge and experience every day to one day apply to opening my own boutique.

I highly recommend #GIRLBOSS to anyone who aspires to be successful in business, fashion industry or not. Never stop dreaming! 

MC-gram

{F21 racer-front tank / Zara black ripped jeans}

{Zoey bright-eyed & bushy-tailed}

{Greg and I at Bungalow in Santa Monica}

{obsessed with this BCBG mixed-print top}

{Malibu hike at Escondido Canyon - imaginary waterfall thanks to the drought}

Follow MC Squared on Instagram @meghanconard

Funfetti Cookies

{Funfetti Cookies}

  

Ingredients

1 box Pillsbury Funetti cake mix

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

1/2 can Pillsbury Funetti vanilla frosting

Recipe

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil & eggs.

Stir with spoon until thoroughly combined.

Shape into 1-inch balls and place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

With the bottom of a glass dipped in flour, flatten dough to 1/4-inch thick.

Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

Cool for 1 minutes and remove from baking sheet.

Spread frosting over warm cookies and immediately add sprinkles.

Enjoy!

Red Carpet Style: Met Gala 2015

The showstoppers came out last night on the Met Gala red carpet. This year's theme was China: Through the Looking Glass. Red was one of the biggest trends of the night (Rita Ora, Reese Witherspoon & Gigi Hadid to name a few). I loved the chic pant suits à la Sienna Miller & Diane Kruger. Some major highlights: SJP's headdress (see the one she wore in 2013 here), Rihanna's jaw-dropping train, and lotssss of illusion thanks to this trifecta: Beyoncé, J. Lo & Kim K. See my Top 3 picks for Best Dressed below. Who was your fave of the night?

{Sarah Jessica Parker / H&M gown & Phillip Tracey headdress}

{Sienna Miller / Thakoon}

{Rihanna / Guo Pei}